Sheshatshiu votes no on alcohol ban

The final ballots were counted just before 4:30 this afternoon. The majority of those who voted decided to oppose an alcohol ban in Sheshatshiu

The Sheshatshiu Innu Band Council gave their community members a chance to ban alcohol from the Innu reserve. But, in this afternoon's vote, the proposed ban was narrowly defeated.

117 people voted against an alcohol ban, while 95 voted in favour. Four ballots were spoiled.

The final results were tallied around 4:30 pm this afternoon at the Innu School gymnasium. After the results were read aloud by Sheshatshiu Innu Chief Andrew Penashue, some people clapped, while others were noticeably disappointed.

The Band Council's Social Health Director, Jack Penashue, was hoping that the ban would go through. Now he and other community leaders will have to think of other ways of combating alcohol problems in Sheshatshiu.

"This isn't the end of trying to solve problems in our community," said Penashue.